The Minority Business Center Bronx, NY is operated and managed by the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO). SoBRO’s business programs have a proven track record of providing assistance to minority entrepreneurs since 1972. These programs, in conjunction with the staff expertise of the Minority Business Center, will allow for comprehensive assistance to minority businesses across all categories.

Our Center is committed to providing business owners with the knowledge, skills, and access to resources they need to grow and prosper.

Through strategic and community partnerships, as well as our business assistance programs; such as: PTAC, M/WBE Technical Assistance, Industrial Business Zone program, EAP and Credit Inc. (CDFI), we ensure that entrepreneurs not only reach their goals, but excel beyond them.

The Center’s staff of business professionals will continue to grow strategic relationships with banks, loan officers, city, state and federal agency staff, chambers of commerce, and private sector companies to provide the broadest selection of opportunities for success in the local and global economy.

Upcoming Events

Risk Management: Is Your Business Covered?Please join us for this upcoming workshop on personal and commercial insurances facilitated by New York Life Insurance company. Topics covered in this workshop will include: Tax savings incentives, buy-sell agreement formation, life insurance, and proper procedures on obtaining the coverage needed for principals and their company.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 2:00pm-4:00pm | Download Flyer

Location

Staff Information

Sharon Higgins - Project Director

Sharon Higgins is a results-oriented financial professional with demonstrated expertise in financial analysis, commercial financing, and risk management. With over seven years of commercial lending and underwriting experience with micro loans financing and with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan programs. She has made extensive contribution in the implementation and facilitation of several multi-million dollar federal, state, and city economic development small business expansion projects. Her work experience includes working in various areas of financing, business development, reporting and implementation processes.

Sharon is also an experienced higher education administration professional, with experience in academic advising at graduate level. She holds a Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, Bachelor in Accounting, and Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration.

Andrew M. Hyman, Esq. - Business Specialist

Andrew Hyman has nearly 35 years of experience and expertise in economic and community development, and real estate law. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Hyman has a Bachelor’s Degree from Vassar College and a law degree from Albany Law School of Union University.

Andrew began his career as an Assistant Counsel with the Lefrak Organization, a major residential and commercial real estate developer. He then gained experience in affordable housing issues as a Senior Attorney with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and in commercial lending as Senior Counsel with the Empire State Development Corporation. Andrew served as General Counsel to Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, and as Deputy Director of the Bronx Empowerment Zone Unit with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (“BOEDC”). He was promoted to the position of General Counsel for the BOEDC.

Most recently, Mr. Hyman served as Commissioner of Public Safety and Deputy Town Attorney in his home community of the Town of North Hempstead. He retired from state and local service in October 2012. Mr. Hyman is married to the former Corbey Rene Low; they have three children: Doriana, Ezra, and Mikayla. Now, as a Business Specialist with the Minority Business Center, operated by South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Andrew looks forward to serving the Bronx business community.

Ibrahima S. Souare - Business Specialist

IbrahimaSouare is a native of the West African country Guinea (Conakry). He immigrated to the United States of America at the age of seven. Mr. Souare, being from a francophone country, speaks three additional languages aside from English, which are French, Susu and Manike. Mr. Souare is a graduate of the City University of New York Lehman College, and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in international affairs and governmental law.

Mr. Souare, having been the Program Coordinator for the Center, is now working directly with MBEs in providing business development opportunities. He has sound knowledge in contract sourcing, assistance in accessing capital from traditional to alternative financing, acquiring business insurance, surety bonding, and other means of business funding. In addition, Mr. Souare is resourceful in B2B matchmaking and assistance in establishing linkages between enterprises seeking expansion on a global scale.

Nelson J. Ortiz - Administrative Coordinator

Nelson J. Ortiz was born and raised in the Bronx. His parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the Bronx in the 1980’s. Throughout his upbringing, Mr. Ortiz frequently visited Dominican Republic which allowed him to learn to speak Spanish. Mr. Ortiz is a graduate of the City University of New York Lehman College, and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and Business Law. In addition, Mr. Ortiz has a proven track record of leadership and community engagement. He served as a Board of Director for his Cooperative, and was able to form community relationships, which was integral in uplifting the Cooperative to a healthy financial status.